My brain is not totally working currently and I will post later about my final thoughts should I have any worth sharing. For now, here is a summary of a few things:
1) Day 2 -- MBE: kinda hard. Not surprised about a particular question the MBE is famous for. Thank you, Barbri. I was confident on three questions out of 200. Felt fabulous. (Not.) Oh yeah, and the fire alarm. That was really cute.
2) Day 3 -- Professional Responsibility, Real Property, Community Property. For me, Property was the only one I felt confident about. I wasn't able to nail issues on the PR one like I should have been able to...I found a whole lotta problems with one duty but had a hard time finding other violations. Did my best. Community Property was a strong subject for me during Barbri...however, I never encountered a practice question like what we got today. It was deceptively challenging. The performance test was hard for me -- I found it challenging to organize, and I know it wasn't as strong as my first PT. I hit all the law I thought applied though and included the portions they asked for...I hope it is passing.
3) The "straight civ pro" question from Day 1 may have been a crossover. I'm not sure. I answered it without the other issue -- evidence. Many people talked about evidence (which would have only been relevant to one call of three). Anyway...in case anyone stumbles upon this blog freaked out that I said it was "straight civ pro" ... don't worry. I could be wrong.
4) Overall...not feeling an incredible sense of joy. Glad it's over. Not sure I won't have to take it again. Don't like that thought.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Day One
So, this morning, I thought things would go kinda like this:
However, that is not what happened. And thank goodness because I was truly expecting the worst. There were definitely thousands of very nervous people in one huge room, but I did not see any throw up, or smell any. Some people's computers crashed, that sucked, and there were power issues. But, it all seemed resolved by the second half of the day.
Anyway, I was obviously terrified which is why I felt like it was going to be like "Welcome to the Jungle" in there. But, the questions were not as intense as I expected. I say that, and I know people are going to disagree with me. But, to me, that was not what I was expecting. I honestly thought I would open up the book, read a question, and not know what to say. Luckily, I had something to say about them all! Phew.
Now, what everyone wants to know -- what were the subjects. Straight criminal law, straight federal civil procedure, and straight contracts. I think the criminal law and contracts essays were the most challenging because there were tons of issues to bring up. I'm sure I missed things. And the civil procedure was challenging because...well, I suck at it, for one, and for two...what was that? I was surprised, honestly. I willed them to test us on personal jurisdiction...and it apparently did not work. I'm pretty sure the civ pro essay will be my lowest score.
I have no idea what to really think as far as my performance went. I issue spotted like crazy. But I worry about my analysis...which is the most important part. It is difficult to not default to a ping/pong type analysis. It is also difficult when the questions do not present facts of clear defenses and you have to think of them of the top of your head...or at least think of the other side of the argument. I tend to think conclusively and this is not the way to go on the bar exam. In fact, I missed some issues because I thought of them and then decided NOT to raise it. What was I thinking?
I am not going to go into what I wrote about and what I did not for each essay because that's just stupid. And I have four months to think about it all...and I'd rather it not be emblazoned on the internet forever.
I am SO GLAD I wrote so many practice essays. I never realized how many of them would help me out on exam day -- but thanks to all the practice, I knew what to bring up in a couple of places automatically, which really helped calm my nerves and enabled me to get something on paper.
Lastly...the performance test. It was definitely a challenge "spelling" wise. Very glad I pounded red bull before as well because it was, quite possibly, the most boring subject ever. Next time, I'd like something a bit more salacious please.
All in all...the build up of the exam is the worst. Now I feel like I can do this and I am not afraid of the questions. I don't feel like going over anything...but I should because tomorrow is a big multiple choice day and I do not fare well at that kind of thing.
Anyway, I hope today went well as far as me getting good results in November. But honestly...not feeling like I nailed it. Just feeling like I got the "gist." Wish I would have thought harder about that civ pro question...
However, that is not what happened. And thank goodness because I was truly expecting the worst. There were definitely thousands of very nervous people in one huge room, but I did not see any throw up, or smell any. Some people's computers crashed, that sucked, and there were power issues. But, it all seemed resolved by the second half of the day.
Anyway, I was obviously terrified which is why I felt like it was going to be like "Welcome to the Jungle" in there. But, the questions were not as intense as I expected. I say that, and I know people are going to disagree with me. But, to me, that was not what I was expecting. I honestly thought I would open up the book, read a question, and not know what to say. Luckily, I had something to say about them all! Phew.
Now, what everyone wants to know -- what were the subjects. Straight criminal law, straight federal civil procedure, and straight contracts. I think the criminal law and contracts essays were the most challenging because there were tons of issues to bring up. I'm sure I missed things. And the civil procedure was challenging because...well, I suck at it, for one, and for two...what was that? I was surprised, honestly. I willed them to test us on personal jurisdiction...and it apparently did not work. I'm pretty sure the civ pro essay will be my lowest score.
I have no idea what to really think as far as my performance went. I issue spotted like crazy. But I worry about my analysis...which is the most important part. It is difficult to not default to a ping/pong type analysis. It is also difficult when the questions do not present facts of clear defenses and you have to think of them of the top of your head...or at least think of the other side of the argument. I tend to think conclusively and this is not the way to go on the bar exam. In fact, I missed some issues because I thought of them and then decided NOT to raise it. What was I thinking?
I am not going to go into what I wrote about and what I did not for each essay because that's just stupid. And I have four months to think about it all...and I'd rather it not be emblazoned on the internet forever.
I am SO GLAD I wrote so many practice essays. I never realized how many of them would help me out on exam day -- but thanks to all the practice, I knew what to bring up in a couple of places automatically, which really helped calm my nerves and enabled me to get something on paper.
Lastly...the performance test. It was definitely a challenge "spelling" wise. Very glad I pounded red bull before as well because it was, quite possibly, the most boring subject ever. Next time, I'd like something a bit more salacious please.
All in all...the build up of the exam is the worst. Now I feel like I can do this and I am not afraid of the questions. I don't feel like going over anything...but I should because tomorrow is a big multiple choice day and I do not fare well at that kind of thing.
Anyway, I hope today went well as far as me getting good results in November. But honestly...not feeling like I nailed it. Just feeling like I got the "gist." Wish I would have thought harder about that civ pro question...
Sunday, July 24, 2011
It's the final countdown
I am pretty sure this was the soundtrack to my dream last night:
I really wish it was not stuck in my head. If anything produces anxiety, it is the guitar or keyboard (?) intro to that song. My body is running on anxiety right now, so I really do not need anymore. Still, the song is appropriate for this evening.
I have spent a fair (read: too much) amount of time "researching" the California Bar Exam. I learned that it is commonly referred to as "CBX." I dislike this name -- it reminds me of P90X (is that correct?). I have been on the "CBX" diet for a couple months now, and my body is not looking so hot. But that's okay.
So, in regards to my research, one post that has stood out to me is this one. The writer speaks of being at this point of giving up, or coming into a sense of serenity...and I know I have one full day left, but that is about what I am feeling. I have not quit, and I will still continue to go over my checklists, but I just don't see how I can learn one more thing without losing something else. And at this point, I recognize that any more time I spend "learning" or "relearning" is not time well spent, and will not yield great returns. I know what I know, and that will have to suffice. Whether I pass or not, it is not up to me. I can only do so much to show the graders that I should be a lawyer, and I plan on doing that.
I think this last week was the toughest for me. I cried a lot; felt like giving up...in the bad way, not the "I'm ready to go" serenity way. I had a couple of days where I felt great and I believed in myself, and then it left me. I'm not completely sure of myself at this moment, but I finally was able to dig deep enough to trust that I can do this. I laid awake one night and tried to blame every other person in my life for me failing the bar exam...and I hadn't even taken it yet. I realize now that no one is going to be able to give me the tools I need to pass besides myself. I have said this before, and it is true - I do not have a strong support system. It would have been wonderful to have a caring boyfriend feed me and cook for me, a parent drive me to the test center, an extra $500 to get a hotel room, a family member that has been through this before..heck a friend that's been through this before. But I must say...I've done this on my own, and even if I had all those things, it would not make me pass this test.
It is about me, and what I can do. What I can learn. How far I can push myself. How much I can believe in myself. And how I execute, Tuesday through Thursday. I cannot predict whether I pass or fail; I know statistically, I'm favored to pass. I also know statistics do not account for the pressure that is going to arise on each exam day. I could very well fail; but I am going to do everything in my power not to. And that's that.
I really wish it was not stuck in my head. If anything produces anxiety, it is the guitar or keyboard (?) intro to that song. My body is running on anxiety right now, so I really do not need anymore. Still, the song is appropriate for this evening.
I have spent a fair (read: too much) amount of time "researching" the California Bar Exam. I learned that it is commonly referred to as "CBX." I dislike this name -- it reminds me of P90X (is that correct?). I have been on the "CBX" diet for a couple months now, and my body is not looking so hot. But that's okay.
So, in regards to my research, one post that has stood out to me is this one. The writer speaks of being at this point of giving up, or coming into a sense of serenity...and I know I have one full day left, but that is about what I am feeling. I have not quit, and I will still continue to go over my checklists, but I just don't see how I can learn one more thing without losing something else. And at this point, I recognize that any more time I spend "learning" or "relearning" is not time well spent, and will not yield great returns. I know what I know, and that will have to suffice. Whether I pass or not, it is not up to me. I can only do so much to show the graders that I should be a lawyer, and I plan on doing that.
I think this last week was the toughest for me. I cried a lot; felt like giving up...in the bad way, not the "I'm ready to go" serenity way. I had a couple of days where I felt great and I believed in myself, and then it left me. I'm not completely sure of myself at this moment, but I finally was able to dig deep enough to trust that I can do this. I laid awake one night and tried to blame every other person in my life for me failing the bar exam...and I hadn't even taken it yet. I realize now that no one is going to be able to give me the tools I need to pass besides myself. I have said this before, and it is true - I do not have a strong support system. It would have been wonderful to have a caring boyfriend feed me and cook for me, a parent drive me to the test center, an extra $500 to get a hotel room, a family member that has been through this before..heck a friend that's been through this before. But I must say...I've done this on my own, and even if I had all those things, it would not make me pass this test.
It is about me, and what I can do. What I can learn. How far I can push myself. How much I can believe in myself. And how I execute, Tuesday through Thursday. I cannot predict whether I pass or fail; I know statistically, I'm favored to pass. I also know statistics do not account for the pressure that is going to arise on each exam day. I could very well fail; but I am going to do everything in my power not to. And that's that.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Friday, July 22, 2011
Carrying on...
The most annoying thing occurring currently is the incredible amount of guilt I feel doing tasks which are not studying (this blog, exhibit A). This includes watching TV and trying to sleep. Which results in me forcing myself to only do such tasks for a limited period of time. The sleeping thing is seriously ridiculous. I know I do not have the ultimate power over what I dream about, but I swear I have had some law related dreams (in particular, Civil Procedure and Professional Responsibility). Very odd. But at least it is sort of sleep-studying, right?
Right...
Back to it.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
You've got to get up every morning
Today it was really hard to wake up. I am exhausted from all of this studying. I feel like a zombie. So today's music was chosen mostly because...I have to get up every morning.
But I also love Carole King. Time to show Corporations all the love in my heart.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Actual past MBEs
I definitely scored better on the actual past MBE's. Thank goodness. It was hard, but somehow, I managed to pull it together and give a decent score. Phew.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Another freak out
Today was okay until 4 p.m. and on. I did the Barbri MBE's for Con Law as per the paced program, and missed the vast majority of them. This was after writing two Con Law essays, handwriting outlines with rules statements to 6 Con law essays, and going over my cheat sheet and notes.
What is going on!?
I feel so hopeless about all of this right now. Trying to remember to not "fall into a puddle on the floor." I think I might just throw Con Law out the window and give up on it. I just cannot memorize this stuff. In particular, all of the intricacies where you need the least restrictive means, or the burden on commerce cannot outweigh the benefit to the state, or when to bring in the public and non public forum crap. It's all jumbled in my brain and I cannot manage to unjumble it in order to apply it.
I'm considering doing a 100 question past MBE rather than the Barbri MBE tomorrow -- Barbri wants us to do their final test, but I am so mad at Barbri's questions that I am not sure I will be able to do them without slitting my wrists.
If it were up to Barbri, I would absolutely fail the bar exam, in spite of all the work that I have done. Thankfully, Barbri has no say.
Still...I think I might fail just based on the MBE portion alone. Why can I not manage greater than 55% on these tests??? What is going on!
What is going on!?
I feel so hopeless about all of this right now. Trying to remember to not "fall into a puddle on the floor." I think I might just throw Con Law out the window and give up on it. I just cannot memorize this stuff. In particular, all of the intricacies where you need the least restrictive means, or the burden on commerce cannot outweigh the benefit to the state, or when to bring in the public and non public forum crap. It's all jumbled in my brain and I cannot manage to unjumble it in order to apply it.
I'm considering doing a 100 question past MBE rather than the Barbri MBE tomorrow -- Barbri wants us to do their final test, but I am so mad at Barbri's questions that I am not sure I will be able to do them without slitting my wrists.
If it were up to Barbri, I would absolutely fail the bar exam, in spite of all the work that I have done. Thankfully, Barbri has no say.
Still...I think I might fail just based on the MBE portion alone. Why can I not manage greater than 55% on these tests??? What is going on!
Sunday, July 17, 2011
"There really isn't much need for people to memorize and recite...don't waste your time..."
This guy makes a whole lot of sense. And now I want to kick Barbri in the nuts.
It is not as though Barbri has ever preached "memorization," but the paced program, the checklists, the outlines, and the substantive lectures all certainly imply that memorization is the most important. I mean, how many mnemonic devices does one bar exam need?
One thing was on my mind this morning at 2 a.m. when I could not sleep...where is Barbri's published success rate? I could not find it on their website or in a google search.
Watched a movie last night
"A Lawyer Walks into a Bar." Good documentary about some folks studying for the California Bar Exam in the summer of 2007.
Lesson: Some people that should be lawyers do not pass the bar. Some people that should not be lawyers do.
It kills me every time I hear of a law school graduate that wants to do social justice work who fails the bar. There is a lot that can be done without a license. There is a lot more that can be done with one.
Lesson: Some people that should be lawyers do not pass the bar. Some people that should not be lawyers do.
It kills me every time I hear of a law school graduate that wants to do social justice work who fails the bar. There is a lot that can be done without a license. There is a lot more that can be done with one.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
One last thing
It is absolutely killing me to not be able to know or tell how I am doing. I know Barbri tries to combat this with percentages of completion, through the percentile score in the Study Smart software, and the interactive paced program percentiles for the "big six." But if I follow Barbri...I'm definitely going to fail.
I hope Barbri is wrong.
I hope Barbri is wrong.
Finding a balance between totally freaked out and totally cool, calm and collected
Who knows if a balance is even necessary. Since my last post, I've gone from "meh" to HOLY SHIT IT'S HERE. And thank goodness for it because I really felt like something was missing until I got that warm and fuzzy OH SHIT feeling when doom looms.
Studying is not easier; I still feel like I am learning things. This is not encouraging. But, some things are becoming clearer and making more sense. I still am between the 50-60% on the subject MPQ sets; but I've stopped caring about that. I tend to do extraordinarily better on the mixed subject (with the exception of the simulated MBE) so I am hoping that I continue this trend into the Bar Exam.
I also recognized that I have an analysis problem. Many times I will incorporate analysis/conclusions and the whole paragraph does not make sense. I've decided to attack this by adding an extra sentence -- so, I will restate a material fact, and then follow that with a sentence explaining how that fact determines the issue. I have no idea why it took my three years of law school and 6 plus weeks of bar prep to learn that, but I finally have. What gives me hope is that many of the sample answers on the California Bar Exam website are also bad at analysis; so if I slip up, hopefully it won't be the end of me.
I am concerned about certain subtopics in subject areas -- character and impeachment for evidence, parol evidence for contracts, strict products liability for torts, etc. Blah blah blah.
I am unsure how valuable the Barbri commentary is; it will often state that if an issue was missed in a particular essay, that the essay would not receive a passing score. How does Barbri know this? Is it from the students essays that did not pass the bar exam that take Barbri again? I wish I knew the answer. Because I am still missing stuff, vital or not.
Anyway...two things keep me going at this point: (1) This is the last hurdle I need to jump before I become a real lawyer, my dream and (2) I do not want to take this stupid Barbri course again.
I am absolutely not one of those freaks who gets up early and studies before class, does 100 MBE questions, 10 essays, studies some more, then passes out just to do it all over again the next day. My whole motto this go around is to try to really learn the law, understand the law, and apply it appropriately. I want to get this stuff more than I want to fit three years of studying into 2 months. So that's been my approach -- while sticking to 85%-90% of the Barbri plan.
Alright...back to it.
Studying is not easier; I still feel like I am learning things. This is not encouraging. But, some things are becoming clearer and making more sense. I still am between the 50-60% on the subject MPQ sets; but I've stopped caring about that. I tend to do extraordinarily better on the mixed subject (with the exception of the simulated MBE) so I am hoping that I continue this trend into the Bar Exam.
I also recognized that I have an analysis problem. Many times I will incorporate analysis/conclusions and the whole paragraph does not make sense. I've decided to attack this by adding an extra sentence -- so, I will restate a material fact, and then follow that with a sentence explaining how that fact determines the issue. I have no idea why it took my three years of law school and 6 plus weeks of bar prep to learn that, but I finally have. What gives me hope is that many of the sample answers on the California Bar Exam website are also bad at analysis; so if I slip up, hopefully it won't be the end of me.
I am concerned about certain subtopics in subject areas -- character and impeachment for evidence, parol evidence for contracts, strict products liability for torts, etc. Blah blah blah.
I am unsure how valuable the Barbri commentary is; it will often state that if an issue was missed in a particular essay, that the essay would not receive a passing score. How does Barbri know this? Is it from the students essays that did not pass the bar exam that take Barbri again? I wish I knew the answer. Because I am still missing stuff, vital or not.
Anyway...two things keep me going at this point: (1) This is the last hurdle I need to jump before I become a real lawyer, my dream and (2) I do not want to take this stupid Barbri course again.
I am absolutely not one of those freaks who gets up early and studies before class, does 100 MBE questions, 10 essays, studies some more, then passes out just to do it all over again the next day. My whole motto this go around is to try to really learn the law, understand the law, and apply it appropriately. I want to get this stuff more than I want to fit three years of studying into 2 months. So that's been my approach -- while sticking to 85%-90% of the Barbri plan.
Alright...back to it.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Two weeks from TODAY
I need a sound effect for this post that sounds like a firework is going to go off but instead, after all that climbing and climbing into the air and the progressively higher pitch the sound of its soar gets...pffffffft. It's a dud. That was today.
Today was a long day - I think I actually put in a full 12 hours. Still, I did not manage to accomplish what I set out to accomplish. That is, I did not learn Professional Responsibility in a day. At least I hit the books.
I do not feel anywhere near prepared. I still feel like I am not studying enough. Still not memorizing...someone told me that was supposed to happen at some point here. When does that start?
I know this is going to sound hypocritical of me, considering my moody blogs...but believe me, this summer has been relatively low stress. This is nothing compared to first year of law school. Everyone I know freaked out all summer long last summer. Why does this feel so uneventful for me? Why do I not feel like the most important test of my life is coming up? When will that stuff start? I kind of feel like I need to to kick my ass into gear. Calm before the storm? Perhaps...and I hope so.
I am not one of "those" people, either. Those people that don't study. I'm putting in the time, doing 90% of the Barbri requirements. Practicing essays 6 days of the week. Making outlines, and outlines from outlines. But I just feel like it is not sinking in, the information is getting put into different places and taking different forms every day, but I'm still just copying crap out of the CMR; even when I know I've already copied down that rule somewhere else just because I like to go in order, and include everything.
Those people who are sitting on their asses, playing computer games or shopping or hanging out with friends...I'm not doing that. No weddings, no bachelorette parties. A couple small get togethers in June, with non-law school people, that's all. No night's out on the town, no long lunches. None of that. It's just me and my books. I dictate my breaks...probably grant myself too many...but I'm not watching reruns of Gossip Girl or anything like that. No Sex and the City marathons. I actually went to all the Barbri lectures. I'm doing what I believe I'm supposed to be doing...and somehow feeling like I need to be doing more...but what more can I do?
Today is a complete failure and I feel a waste of precious study time, in spite of the fact that I studied all day. I still know nothing. Tomorrow, you better bring me your worst.
Today was a long day - I think I actually put in a full 12 hours. Still, I did not manage to accomplish what I set out to accomplish. That is, I did not learn Professional Responsibility in a day. At least I hit the books.
I do not feel anywhere near prepared. I still feel like I am not studying enough. Still not memorizing...someone told me that was supposed to happen at some point here. When does that start?
I know this is going to sound hypocritical of me, considering my moody blogs...but believe me, this summer has been relatively low stress. This is nothing compared to first year of law school. Everyone I know freaked out all summer long last summer. Why does this feel so uneventful for me? Why do I not feel like the most important test of my life is coming up? When will that stuff start? I kind of feel like I need to to kick my ass into gear. Calm before the storm? Perhaps...and I hope so.
I am not one of "those" people, either. Those people that don't study. I'm putting in the time, doing 90% of the Barbri requirements. Practicing essays 6 days of the week. Making outlines, and outlines from outlines. But I just feel like it is not sinking in, the information is getting put into different places and taking different forms every day, but I'm still just copying crap out of the CMR; even when I know I've already copied down that rule somewhere else just because I like to go in order, and include everything.
Those people who are sitting on their asses, playing computer games or shopping or hanging out with friends...I'm not doing that. No weddings, no bachelorette parties. A couple small get togethers in June, with non-law school people, that's all. No night's out on the town, no long lunches. None of that. It's just me and my books. I dictate my breaks...probably grant myself too many...but I'm not watching reruns of Gossip Girl or anything like that. No Sex and the City marathons. I actually went to all the Barbri lectures. I'm doing what I believe I'm supposed to be doing...and somehow feeling like I need to be doing more...but what more can I do?
Today is a complete failure and I feel a waste of precious study time, in spite of the fact that I studied all day. I still know nothing. Tomorrow, you better bring me your worst.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Two weeks from tomorrow
Holy crap.
Welp, I certainly hope what everybody says is correct and that I will learn everything in these next two weeks. I pretty much plan on sticking to the Barbri schedule -- although it has failed me in the past, and although I am not caught up -- I think the day by day subject approach will be good. On top of that, I need to work in more MBE practice, which I did some of this weekend and scored above average or average. Still, I want some consistency and until I take 5 tests in a row and get average-above average scores, I will not be happy.
I looked at the chart in the essay workbook Barbri gave us that contains all of the subjects tested on the past 10 or so years of exams. Then I tried to guess what would be on the test by the chart. This is not a worthwhile exercise -- don't do it. I do wish certain subjects will be tested, and others not. Community property, business organizations, evidence, criminal law, and torts -- all welcome in my book. Property, contracts, wills and trusts, constitutional law, civil procedure -- no, thank you. But for whatever I hope is on the test, and whatever I hope is not on the test...I have to prepare for everything. I know Sakai says to work on the weaknesses -- but I like the confidence building that occurs when I study my stronger subjects. As such, I'm going to study everything.
For every subject, I plan to make a checklist of my own. From this checklist, I'm going to practice writing the rule from memory for every element and memorizing the list in its entirety. Memorization has never been a strong suit of mine, and the flashcards...well, I gave up on them as of right now. I have well over 400 completely useless flashcards already, and an unopened package of 500 that I wasted 3.99 on.
I also plan on writing one to two essays a day from here on out. I only managed to practice one essay this weekend. I did do some MBE practice and Wills and Trust general studying...but only one measly essay. So, got up the ante a little bit. The essay practice really is where I learn the law the best as well, and learn how to properly B.S. so that I can sheep my way through a pass on the test.
Wow. What a boring post. More to come as I continue preparation...this is one fun way to procrastinate.
Welp, I certainly hope what everybody says is correct and that I will learn everything in these next two weeks. I pretty much plan on sticking to the Barbri schedule -- although it has failed me in the past, and although I am not caught up -- I think the day by day subject approach will be good. On top of that, I need to work in more MBE practice, which I did some of this weekend and scored above average or average. Still, I want some consistency and until I take 5 tests in a row and get average-above average scores, I will not be happy.
I looked at the chart in the essay workbook Barbri gave us that contains all of the subjects tested on the past 10 or so years of exams. Then I tried to guess what would be on the test by the chart. This is not a worthwhile exercise -- don't do it. I do wish certain subjects will be tested, and others not. Community property, business organizations, evidence, criminal law, and torts -- all welcome in my book. Property, contracts, wills and trusts, constitutional law, civil procedure -- no, thank you. But for whatever I hope is on the test, and whatever I hope is not on the test...I have to prepare for everything. I know Sakai says to work on the weaknesses -- but I like the confidence building that occurs when I study my stronger subjects. As such, I'm going to study everything.
For every subject, I plan to make a checklist of my own. From this checklist, I'm going to practice writing the rule from memory for every element and memorizing the list in its entirety. Memorization has never been a strong suit of mine, and the flashcards...well, I gave up on them as of right now. I have well over 400 completely useless flashcards already, and an unopened package of 500 that I wasted 3.99 on.
I also plan on writing one to two essays a day from here on out. I only managed to practice one essay this weekend. I did do some MBE practice and Wills and Trust general studying...but only one measly essay. So, got up the ante a little bit. The essay practice really is where I learn the law the best as well, and learn how to properly B.S. so that I can sheep my way through a pass on the test.
Wow. What a boring post. More to come as I continue preparation...this is one fun way to procrastinate.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Essay Mania / MBE Problems
I cannot believe this is almost over. I have so much work to do!
I just counted the number of essays I have written out and reviewed - I'm at 23. I'm not sure if that is the number everyone is supposed to be at or not - it appears sometimes I skipped essays (only wrote 1 where I was instructed to write 2, etc.) There are three subjects I have zero essays written out; 2 of those subjects I should have essays for (and for one, I know I wrote 2 essays and for some reason they are absent from my computer). Scary. Over the weekend, I am going to try and write one essay for each area where I only have one or none.
Secondly...my MBE scores were really weak. However, for some reason, I've suddenly picked more information up or gotten smarter at answering, because I am now getting consistently 80% or better. I'm now working through the MPQ2, which is not even assigned. I have found this book to have much easier questions, and the target percentiles are all in the 70%s so I think they actually are easier. Still, I'm proud for increasing my score by as much as I did. I think the key for me is really to take mental breaks frequently during these MBEs because at certain points I'm just reading without comprehending. I also want the MBE to help and not hurt my chances of passing the bar exam...
That's all for now...hope everyone else is hanging in there.
I just counted the number of essays I have written out and reviewed - I'm at 23. I'm not sure if that is the number everyone is supposed to be at or not - it appears sometimes I skipped essays (only wrote 1 where I was instructed to write 2, etc.) There are three subjects I have zero essays written out; 2 of those subjects I should have essays for (and for one, I know I wrote 2 essays and for some reason they are absent from my computer). Scary. Over the weekend, I am going to try and write one essay for each area where I only have one or none.
Secondly...my MBE scores were really weak. However, for some reason, I've suddenly picked more information up or gotten smarter at answering, because I am now getting consistently 80% or better. I'm now working through the MPQ2, which is not even assigned. I have found this book to have much easier questions, and the target percentiles are all in the 70%s so I think they actually are easier. Still, I'm proud for increasing my score by as much as I did. I think the key for me is really to take mental breaks frequently during these MBEs because at certain points I'm just reading without comprehending. I also want the MBE to help and not hurt my chances of passing the bar exam...
That's all for now...hope everyone else is hanging in there.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Holiday Weekend Blues
I totally named this blog right...'cause I have a serious case of the blues.
First off, I feel this weird need to apologize (1) for my last post of craziness and (2) for not posting. However, upon reflection I recognized that I am the only one who reads this and I am not sorry to myself for either (1) or (2).
Secondly. It's fourth of July weekend. I think all of my neighbors have taken off by now, or they are in the process of it. I keep seeing people walk by my apartment with bags in hand, in cute summer outfits. I'm seriously jealous. I love the Fourth of July weekend. Particularly when it is a 3 day weekend. I like it more next year -- when it is a four day weekend. But I imagine I will be slogging away at this time next year and not able to enjoy the four days. Well, I hope to be, at least. Anyway...this sucks. It is 80 something degrees outside. Beautiful. And here I am, at my desk, writing essays. This totally sucks. It's just me, BB King, and Muddy Waters. All weekend long.
This week also marks the start of the month of the test and the crazy march to the 26th of July. The test is 24 days away. Holy fuck. As the essay guy says -- "Closers, it's time."
So, I am nowhere near where I need to be, or where I think I should be at this point. My last post probably hinted at that a little bit. In regards to that last post -- I cannot sit here and blame the instructors. I was just getting so frustrated because it seems like they will just tell you a rule and move on. I am having trouble connecting the dots, I suppose. I know that I have the base knowledge of this stuff already, and that's why these lectures are abridged versions for the Bar Exam -- but I just expected to get more from the lectures. Now I realize that for me, I need to hit the outlines more and the CMR, and wikipedia to understand the concepts.
Related, I have found that I tend to understand and remember a rule of law if I know the reasoning or policy behind it. That helps me. I'm not going to write about the reasoning on the exam, but I think when I have trouble, that's what I need to look for.
My studying this week/weekend has focused immensely on writing essays, and grading them myself. I have been writing them out, making up law where I don't know it, trying to recite rules, and applying them. Then, I look to see if there is an answer available with BarBri, the state Bar, or (in the case of some essays that BarBri does not provide sample answers for) if a quick internet search will yield me a model answer. Then I compare, and actually track changes in the essay I wrote, to see what I missed. This has proved effective for me. I get better with each essay I write for that particular subject.
That being said, I think I might start focusing on making my own outlines for some of the subjects I struggle with the most. I have already done this for the 6 essay/MBE topics, but I think I need to do this for Remedies and Civil Procedure and some others as well. It just helps to see it all/have it all in one place.
Who knows if anyone but me will ever read this again...but to those that did, and to reward myself, here's a treat:
First off, I feel this weird need to apologize (1) for my last post of craziness and (2) for not posting. However, upon reflection I recognized that I am the only one who reads this and I am not sorry to myself for either (1) or (2).
Secondly. It's fourth of July weekend. I think all of my neighbors have taken off by now, or they are in the process of it. I keep seeing people walk by my apartment with bags in hand, in cute summer outfits. I'm seriously jealous. I love the Fourth of July weekend. Particularly when it is a 3 day weekend. I like it more next year -- when it is a four day weekend. But I imagine I will be slogging away at this time next year and not able to enjoy the four days. Well, I hope to be, at least. Anyway...this sucks. It is 80 something degrees outside. Beautiful. And here I am, at my desk, writing essays. This totally sucks. It's just me, BB King, and Muddy Waters. All weekend long.
This week also marks the start of the month of the test and the crazy march to the 26th of July. The test is 24 days away. Holy fuck. As the essay guy says -- "Closers, it's time."
So, I am nowhere near where I need to be, or where I think I should be at this point. My last post probably hinted at that a little bit. In regards to that last post -- I cannot sit here and blame the instructors. I was just getting so frustrated because it seems like they will just tell you a rule and move on. I am having trouble connecting the dots, I suppose. I know that I have the base knowledge of this stuff already, and that's why these lectures are abridged versions for the Bar Exam -- but I just expected to get more from the lectures. Now I realize that for me, I need to hit the outlines more and the CMR, and wikipedia to understand the concepts.
Related, I have found that I tend to understand and remember a rule of law if I know the reasoning or policy behind it. That helps me. I'm not going to write about the reasoning on the exam, but I think when I have trouble, that's what I need to look for.
My studying this week/weekend has focused immensely on writing essays, and grading them myself. I have been writing them out, making up law where I don't know it, trying to recite rules, and applying them. Then, I look to see if there is an answer available with BarBri, the state Bar, or (in the case of some essays that BarBri does not provide sample answers for) if a quick internet search will yield me a model answer. Then I compare, and actually track changes in the essay I wrote, to see what I missed. This has proved effective for me. I get better with each essay I write for that particular subject.
That being said, I think I might start focusing on making my own outlines for some of the subjects I struggle with the most. I have already done this for the 6 essay/MBE topics, but I think I need to do this for Remedies and Civil Procedure and some others as well. It just helps to see it all/have it all in one place.
Who knows if anyone but me will ever read this again...but to those that did, and to reward myself, here's a treat:
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